“Then she knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them.” (Luke 7:38 NLT)
We cry for a lot of reasons, don’t we? Sometimes we’re sad, angry, frustrated, confused, or troubled, but other times we’re so filled with joy, excitement, happiness, elation, contentment, love, or appreciation we can’t stop the tears from flowing.
In my mind’s eye, as I peruse the faces of those gathered in the Pharisee’s house with Jesus that evening, I see many very “righteously indignant” men with scowls on their faces, angry that anyone would allow “such a piece of scum” in the door. But not Jesus!
His face is aglow with love and delight as He sees the beauty of this young woman’s heart. He saw her as a young girl, full of hope, filled with promise and potential, only to be violated and demeaned by boys and men until she no longer saw herself as a person to be loved and cherished, but a “thing” to be used and discarded. But not here, not now. At the feet of Jesus, she finally felt safe, wanted, protected, loved. Her time had finally come!
The men’s eyes wouldn’t have dared meet Jesus’, fearing He might disclose what they somehow already understood He knew about them. How many of these “holy men of God” had been among her suitors? How many had contributed to her becoming the “thing” she’d become yet have hidden behind their cloak of religiosity.
Perhaps her tears fall for many reasons, but my sense is they well up uncontrollably as the overflow of a heart that’s finally been released to love again. Not since childhood has she felt she could safely risk an expression of emotion so bold. She hadn’t come to His feet with plans to leave quickly or quietly. No, this brave soul defied the odds and determined whatever the cost she was going to give expression to her love for, perhaps, the only man in her life whom she knew truly loved her, and she was there for as long as He allowed her to stay.
It’s taken her a lifetime to find Him, but her life is now forever changed. No man will ever mistreat her again, she won’t allow it, and her new Friend will not allow it. She’s safe and can relax in the comfort of His compassionate care, and so can you, my friend.
Someone reading these words has been mistreated, perhaps violated in ways not many would even understand or believe, but I want to introduce you to Someone who will never hurt you and will love you in ways you’ve only dreamed of being loved. His name is Jesus and He loves you so much He literally died for you.
His love will help you heal, and you’ll always feel safe in His presence. You may still suffer from your trauma, but He understands – He really does – like nobody else can! He will forgive you, fill and empower you to hear His voice and “see” His holy face in the pages of His Word, the Bible. Please, though it may be very hard for you, please learn to trust Him. Don’t believe stories about Him that aren’t true but read or listen to His words in the Bible for yourself.
I’m praying someone you know will help you, protect you, love you, and guide you in learning about this man Jesus who is God’s Son and who never lies. He will always keep His promises to you and one day, sooner than later, you’ll be in heaven with Him forever. Just invite Him to live in your heart and know He’ll never leave you.
I’m praying for you right now!
Blessings, Ed😊
Walking With Jesus 